Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter (born February 21, 1958 in Princeton, New Jersey) is a highly successful country singer-songwriter. Carpenter, the daughter of a Life Magazine executive, spent two years in Japan as a child, moving to Washington, D.C. in 1974, and Washington's vibrant music scene gave birth to her first album, "Hometown Girl", in 1987, which was produced by grammy-award-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter John Jennings. The two collaborated on many subsequent albums and performed together.

Related Topics:
February 21 - 1958 - Princeton - New Jersey - Country - Singer-songwriter - Life Magazine - Japan - Washington, D.C. - John Jennings

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One of her most widely known singles is "Passionate Kisses" (written by fellow singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams), a song with a rock flavor musically and lyrics listing simple desires such as "a comfortable bed", "food to fill me up", and "time to think". Another big hit was "Down at the Twist and Shout", which she performed at the 1997 Superbowl (XXXI) in New Orleans. A number of Mary Chapin Carpenter's songs speak to women, urging them on through hard times or troubled relationships. In "He Thinks He'll Keep Her", co-composed by Carpenter and Don Schlitz, the singer makes the case for strength and self-respect. Another common theme in her music is that of taking life at your own pace, rather than rampant goal-driven materialism, such as "The Long Way Home" from her 2001 album 'Time*Sex*Love', which pokes fun at a man who "retires at thirty to his house under the putting green". The album had a different feel musically, incorporating elaborate orchestra melodies, but with the characteristic lyrical depth. Her latest album 'Between Here and Gone' was released in 2004.

Related Topics:
Lucinda Williams - Superbowl

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Carpenter, a skilled guitarist, is a graduate of the Ivy League school Brown University. On the personal side, she was married in 2002 in Virginia to a contractor. Throughout her career, she has actively supported various charities, including CARE and Habitat for Humanity, and has conducted fundraising concerts for such causes as the elimination of landmines.

Related Topics:
Ivy League - Brown University - CARE - Habitat for Humanity - Landmines

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